Irene Minchew, 94, passed away at home in Marianna, Florida on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 following a short illness.
Irene was a committed Christian who lived her strong faith in God through serving, praying and sharing Jesus Christ. She was the oldest living member of The First Baptist Church of Marianna where she was an active member of the JOY Sunday School Class. Her life focus was her faith and family.
Irene was a native of Jackson County, born on August 7, 1921, to the late Ed and Ina Mae Chance Pledger. She graduated from Marianna High School and lived her entire life in Marianna.
Although, for the most part, Irene was a homemaker, she did work at Jenkins Auto, Peacock Motor Company, Chipola Junior College library, and assisted her husband with his businesses. She was active as a Sunday School teacher, in the school P.T.A. and community scouting activities. She was a past member of both the Marianna Woman's Club and the Jackson Hospital Auxiliary, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for a number of years. She enjoyed square dancing, gardening, and playing bridge. She was a strong, proud Southern woman who lived independently for twenty-four years after her husband's death.
In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her husband Jack Powell Minchew, brother Robert Pledger, sister-in-law Maude Pledger and brother-in-law Mack Webb.
Surviving Irene are her beloved family, daughter Jackie-Fay Minchew (Jerry) Kelly; son Ed Powell Minchew; and "light of her life" granddaughter Jennifer Irene Kelly (Tom) Hatcher. She leaves behind her sister Joyce Pledger Webb and family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016 at The First Baptist Church of Marianna with Dr. Mark Long officiating, assisted by Rev. William Harvey, and Rev. Eric Durham. Her family will receive friends at the church an hour prior to the service. A private interment will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to The First Baptist Church of Marianna, 2897 Green Street, Marianna, Florida, 32446.
Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted online at www.mariannachapelfh.com